Equestrian: Kiwi duo lead early at Badminton

Andrew Nicholson and Nereo lead the Badminton horse trials after the first day of dressage. Photo / Getty

New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson on Nereo and Jock Paget on Clifton Promise are first and second respectively after the opening day of dressage at the Badminton horse trials.

Forty of the 81 riders put their mounts through the test of calmness and precision at the annual four-star three-day event .

Nicholson has seven four-star eventing titles but has never won Badminton in a record 33 attempts. He conceded 37.8 penalty points to lead Paget by 3.4 with German Niklas Bschorer third a further 0.9 penalties back.

"It's the smoothest test he's done from start to finish," Nicholson said of his 14-year-old chestnut gelding. "He's good at letting you be quite bold to press him for the maximum. Today it felt like it flowed and it was good to see the judges felt the same.

"I've got a relationship with him. I fully understand how he likes to work. [In the dressage arena] he's not worried by people or noise."

Similarly, Paget was thrilled with the performance of his 16-year-old bay gelding who helped him secure his maiden four-star title here on debut two years ago.

"It was probably better than the test in 2013; not as energetic but much more correct, supple and relaxed. I had a great time on him. He's a professional who knows the dressage is the time to stay straight."

Of the other New Zealanders, Mark Todd sits in fifth on Leonidas II, Jonelle Price is 27th on Classic Moet and Craig Nicolai 38th on Just Ironic.

Caroline Powell on Onwards and Upwards, Lucy Jackson on Willy Do and Tim Price on Ringwood Sky Boy compete tonight while Nicholson (Calico Joe), Paget (Clifton Lush), Todd (Oloa) and Jonelle Price (The Deputy) will ride their second mounts.

The cross-country begins Saturday night (New Zealand time) followed by the showjumping on Sunday.